Creature Comforts

Today on the program we welcome Luke Pearson, herpetologist and biologist with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service who is with us today to talk about Alligator Snapping Turtles, where they are found and how he captured one that weighed over 100 pounds. Even though overall numbers of alligator snapping turtles are on the decline, there is more data needed to become a protected species. As always,...

Now that temperatures outside are beginning to cool just a bit, the number of many insect species is probably at it's highest this early fall and the booming bug populations can be a food bonanza for migrating songbirds and other wildlife including bats, fish, lizards, and even other insects. To talk about his observations during this early fall, we welcome back biologist Joe Magee. As always, Dr....

On today’s show, we welcome Dr. Frank Moore, Distinguished Professor Emeritus University of Southern Mississippi . For over 30 years he, his students & other collaborators have studied the biology of migratory songbirds across North America, but most intensely along the northern coast of Gulf Mexico. Today we will talk about these migratory birds that visit Mississippi along their migration.&n...

Freshwater fishing opportunities abound in Mississippi with over 4,000 miles of streams and 282,000 acres of lakes and reservoirs. Today we welcome back Dennis Riecke from the MDWFP to talk fishing and the Ramps & Piers Program , where the new ramps located, who can use them, and what is biting this time of year. As always, Dr. Troy Majure, DVM, with the  Animal Medical Center ,...

The entire state has experienced buckets of wet weather for the past couple of days, and the entire summer, as a whole. While people often worry about flooding and water damage, large amounts of rain affect quality and quantity of breeding habitats for our Mississippi wildlife as well. Biologist Joe Magee joins the program to talk about his observations during this rainy season. As always, Dr. Tro...

Today on the show, we welcome back Emma Rhodes, Co-Founder and Director of Conservation and Scientific Research at the Banding Coalition of the Americas . She is truly dedicated to avian research and outreach. As a master bird bander, she'll talk with us today about the Purple Martin Project and how regular citizens can participate in bird banding activities. Also, Dr. Troy Majure, DVM, with the&n...

Dr. Troy Majure, DVM, with the Animal Medical Center , and Libby Hartfield answer your questions and listen to your encounters! Alex Littlejohn, with The Nature Conservancy , joins the show to talk about his new positions and how it can benefit Mississippi. If you would like to submit any pet questions or to share your latest brush with nature (we love pictures :) simply email us at: animals@mpbon...

Dr. Majure answers another round of pet questions for Creature Comforts monthly all-pet show. If you want to submit any pet questions or share your latest brush with nature (we love pictures) simply email us: animals@mpbonline.org. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With today’s high gasoline prices and even higher temperatures, some people are finding it practical to skip road trips and stay at home to explore the wealth of flora and fauna in our own backyards. Today we welcome back Joe Magee to talk about his recent backyard observations and what you might see as our local critters deal with this extreme summer heat. Have you ever heard of splooting?&n...

Freshwater fishing opportunities abound in Mississippi with over 4,000 miles of streams and 282,000 acres of lakes and reservoirs. Today we welcome back Dennis Riecke from the MDWFP to talk fishing and the Ramps & Piers Program. Back in the studio after joining the show last month, Dennis gives us an update on Asian carp, bream fishing, and talks about who can take part in the ramps and p...

Dr. Majure answers another round of pet questions for Creature Comforts monthly all-pet show. If you want to submit any pet questions or share your latest brush with nature (we love pictures) simply email us: animals@mpbonline.org. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our favorite birdwatcher, Steve Peterson stops by to talk about eagles and where they may be spotted this time of year. Also, Dr. Majure and Libby discuss your latest brushes with nature and pet questions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The summer is always a great time to cast the rod and reel to fish Mississippi’s waters. Just about every corner of the state has a place to get in on this great summer activity. So we welcome back Dennis Reicke from the Mississippi Depart of Wildlife Fisheries and Park to talk about where to fish and what is biting this time of year. Also, Libby gives us a firefly update and talks about what...

Dr. Majure answers another round of pet questions for Creature Comforts monthly all pet show. If you want to submit any pet questions or share your latest brush with nature (we love pictures) simply email us: animals@mpbonline.org. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Jennifer Coulson returns to Creature Comforts to talk about her passion for raptors and falconry. As a longtime practitioner of this ancient sport, Dr. Coulson along with her husband raises Harris's hawks and trains them to be effective hunters. She breakdown what it takes to become a falconer and the commitment it commands. Also, Libby gives an update about the fireflies in the state and Dr....

On this episode of Creature Comforts, we welcome Matt Rota from Healthy Gulf to talk about the work they are doing to keep the gulf fit for many of the animals that call it home. He also talks about the Mississippi River Restoration and Resilience Initiative and ways you can get involved. And as always Dr. Majure answers your pet questions and Libby lets you know about what is happening with...

The weather is warmer and now those charming bio-luminescent creatures are lighting up the night’s sky. No matter if you call them lightning bugs or fireflies’ people are reporting seeing them around the state. Today we talked with a friend of the show Claire Graves about when and where is the best place to see them. Also, we talk with James Cummins from Wildlife Mississippi about the Mi...

The first Thursday of every month is dedicated to your pet questions answered by Dr. Troy Majure and Libby Hartfield helping with your recent brushes with nature. During this episode they talk about watching out for traveling turtles, taking care of older pets, and what bird calls you should be listening for. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this edition of Creature Comforts, we welcome master naturalist Robin Whitfield back to the show. As an ecologist, naturalist, and artist, Robin brings people of all ages to better appreciate the natural world with workshops and beautiful art pieces. We catch up with her about her work, admiration for Walter Anderson, and stewardship at the Lee Tart Nature Preserve. Show Links: Robin...

The black bear and Mississippi have a storied history together, dating back to the days of President Theodore Roosevelt and the Teddy Bear. Dr. Dana Morin, Mississippi State University professor of Wildlife Biology, and Richard Rummel, Black Bear coordinator for Mississippi depart. of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks. They talk about the current bear population, where they are found, and wha...

Dr. Frank Moore, Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of Southern Mississippi, has studied the biology of migratory songbirds across North America, but most intensely along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico for over 30 years. Today we will talk about these migratory birds that visit Mississippi along with their flights and some of the hazards they tend to face. Also, we hear f...

The Delta Wind Bird mission states: “Our mission is to encourage creation of high-quality stopover wetland habitat for birds on private working lands, to preserve the best natural wetland habitats, and to foster awareness of the value of wetlands for birds and people.” As president of Delta Wind Bird, Jason Hoeksema brings this mission to life every day and joins Creature Comforts to talk about so...

In this edition of Creature Comforts, we welcome back one of the good friends of the show, Dr. Cathy Shropshire. When she is not portraying the heroine Fannye Cooke on stage, Dr. Shropshire is staying in tune with Mississippi’s great outdoors. Today she talks about some of the smaller mammals around the state like weasels and minks. Also, Dr. Majure and Libby answer another round of...

Katelin Cross is the resident mammologist at the MS Museum of Natural Science. Often her work takes her into the field and recently she has taken a particular interest in the skunks of Mississippi. Also, we talk with her about several bats sightings around the state. And as always, Dr. Majure is here for your pet questions, and Libby shares her observations on her most recent trip to the...

The first Thursday of every month is always an all-pet edition of Creature Comforts. Dr. Majure answers another round of pet questions, and Libby Hartfield updates us on her latest nature observations. From itchy dog paws to the reason you may find empty turtle shells on your next nature walk, there is much to learn and enjoy during this week's episode. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privac...